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2024.08.29
How painful is a tattoo? Where to feel the pain, what to do and how to relieve it.
Some people may think, “I want to enjoy tattoos as a part of fashion!” On the other hand, some people may be concerned about the pain involved in getting a tattoo. As it turns out, a tattoo is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the body, so a certain amount of pain is inevitable. And the ease of feeling pain varies from body part to body part.
In this article, we will explain in detail about the pain of such tattoos, the parts of the body that are most likely to feel pain, and how to relieve the pain. If you are interested, please read to the end.
Painful Tattoo Locations
What is the pain when getting a tattoo?
- Being scratched on the skin with a pencil
- Pain similar to laser hair removal
- Feels like having your skin cut with a cutter
It is said to be similar to the pain of a cutter cutting your skin. Those who are sensitive to pain may hesitate to get a tattoo because of this pain. Here, we will explain where you are most likely to feel pain and where you are least likely to feel pain when getting a tattoo.
Places where pain is easily felt
The following are the most painful places to get a tattoo
- Scalp
- Neck
- Armpit to armpit
- Back of the hand to fingers
- Wrist
- Elbows
- Socket – stomach
- Buttocks ~ inner thighs
- Back of the knees
- Instep to toes
These locations are considered more prone to pain because there is less fat and nerves are concentrated in these areas. In addition, areas where the skin is thin and bones are close together are also prone to increased pain. In addition, even if pain is not felt during the procedure, it may be more intense afterwards in areas where friction is likely to occur, such as underwear or pants.
Locations where pain is less likely to be felt
The following are locations where pain is less likely to be felt during tattooing
- Back
- Arms
- Around the shoulders
- Outside of the thigh
- Legs
Areas where muscle and fat are easily attached are considered less likely to cause pain. Arms and legs, in particular, have less friction due to rubbing against clothing, so there is less pain after the procedure. If you are concerned about pain but want to get a tattoo, you may want to try these locations.
Where do you recommend for tattoo beginners?
If you are sensitive to pain, you may want to choose a less painful location. However, in conclusion, it is recommended to put it where you want to put it. Because it is for life, you will have less regret if you stick with it regardless of the pain.
How to prevent or ease the pain of a tattoo
Although it varies from person to person, tattoos are always painful, no matter where you get them. Some people may be prepared for it, but may want to alleviate the pain as much as possible. Here are some tips on how to prevent and alleviate the pain of tattoos.
Measures you can take before the procedure
The following are some of the pain management measures that you can take before the procedure.
- Do not drink alcohol the day before
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- Eat a meal before the procedure
- Avoid sunburn as much as possible
When getting a tattoo, make sure you are well prepared and in perfect physical condition. Drinking alcohol is especially bad. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in increased blood circulation, which not only increases pain, but also makes it difficult for the ink to penetrate.
Measures to be taken during the treatment
During the treatment, you will endure a lot of pain, and your physical strength will be exhausted.
Therefore,
- Ask the patient to take a break.
- Take sugar supplements such as licking candy
- Listen to your favorite music
- Touching your phone
We recommend these measures. Breaks can be encouraged by the practitioner, but it is also important to ask for them yourself. Let them know that you need a break without worrying that it might interfere with their work.
And, restoring your energy with sugar and relaxing are also necessary for pain relief. If you remain tense to endure the pain, your strength is likely to decrease, which will increase the pain and use up your energy unnecessarily. Be prepared in advance to create a relaxing environment for pain relief.
Ways to relieve after the procedure
After the procedure, you can reduce your pain by refraining from the following
- Drinking alcohol
- Exercise
- Bathing or sauna
- Massage
These activities stimulate blood circulation, which not only causes pain and itching, but can also cause the tattoo design to bleed due to perspiration. After the procedure, do not rub or scratch the area, and keep it clean and avoid irritating the area.
In addition, painkillers and ointments can be used to reduce pain. When using them, however, be sure to follow the dosage and administration.
Why is there a difference in tattoo pain?
Some of you may have seen comments on social networking sites about the pain involved in getting a tattoo, or you may have heard feedback from others. You may be confused when you see some people say “it didn’t hurt too much” while others say “it was too painful and hard. Here is an explanation of why such individual differences occur.
Poor physical condition or condition on the day of the procedure
As mentioned in the section on pain management for tattoos, when you endure pain, you have to step on it and exert yourself. But if you don’t have that strength or if you receive the procedure on an empty stomach, you will feel the pain more easily. Many repeat tattoo clients also experience this, and some say that the last time they were not in perfect physical condition, but this time they are not in pain because they came well prepared.
Size and complexity of the tattoo design.
If the design is large or complicated, the procedure will take longer. The pain will gradually become more intense as you lose strength over time. Depending on the design, some people do not finish the tattooing in one day, but rather over several days. If you cannot stand the pain, please consult with the artist.
Tattoo carving and process
Pain varies depending on whether the tattoo is “hand-engraved” or “machine-engraved,” and if anything, hand-engraving is considered to be less painful. However, as mentioned above, the procedure tends to take longer depending on the design, so it depends on the individual. However, as mentioned above, the treatment time tends to be longer depending on the design, so there seems to be a difference between individuals.
The degree and type of pain also varies depending on the process, whether it is “striae carving” or “blurring” or “crushing”. In the process called “striae carving,” the outline is carved, but it hurts as if the skin is being cut with a cutter, and many people say that this process is the most painful.
Blurring and crushing have a different kind of pain from the muscle carving. Many people describe the pain as being like being rubbed on the skin with a file or a gold scrubbing brush. Some people say that this process is painful, depending on the design, because the larger the design, the larger the area to be colored in.
Questions about tattoo pain that may concern you
Most people say that the pain was not unbearable, as long as they are in perfect physical condition to undergo the tattoo procedure and take precautions against pain. However, if you are still concerned about tattoo pain, here are some answers to your questions.
Do people quit due to the pain of getting a tattoo?
At KAGEROU, we have never had anyone stop the procedure due to pain. However, we will take a break if it is unbearable, so please let us know if you are in pain.
How long will the pain last after getting a tattoo?
It depends on the design of the tattoo and the area to be treated, but generally speaking, the pain will last for 3 days after the procedure. However, if the tattoo is placed in a position where your clothing rubs against it every time you move, you will feel pain more easily and for a longer period of time.
When is the most painful action to take during the post-treatment days?
Many people say it is when they wash the treated area with soap or body soap. Taking a shower is also painful, but we hear that washing is even more painful. Since the tattoo is damaging the skin, it seems to inevitably stain.
Get over the pain and enjoy your tattoo!
At KAGEROU, we try to make sure that our customers are comfortable with the procedure. If you are aware that you are sensitive to pain and have any concerns about the duration of the procedure or the size of the design, please let the tattoo artist know during the consultation. We will be happy to separate the treatment schedule.